Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering Commons^™

Modelling And Analysis Of Dynamic Capacity Complexity In Multi-Stage Production, Ahmed M. Deif, Hoda A. Elmaraghy

Industrial Technology and Packaging

The uncertainty associated with managing dynamic capacity problem is the main source of its complexity. This article presents a system dynamics approach to model and analyse operational complexity of dynamic capacity in multi-stage production. The unique feature of this approach is that it captures the stochastic nature of three main sources of complexity associated with dynamic capacity. These are the demand, internal manufacturing delay and capacity scalability delay. The developed model was demonstrated by an industrial case study of multi-stage printed circuit board assembly line. The analysis of simulation experiments showed that ignoring complexity sources can lead to wrong decisions …

Effect Of Freeze-Thaw Cycling On The Compression Strength Of Folding Cartons Made From Different Materials, Koushik Saha, Bruce Harte, Gary Burgess, Sujeet Adudodla

Industrial Technology and Packaging

The quality of frozen food is known to deteriorate in storage due to water migration, in-pack desiccation and frost formation. These same factors can affect folding cartons. The rate of frozen food and folding carton deterioration is further dependent on temperature fluctuations during storage, transportation, loading and unloading. This study was conducted to compare the compression strength of folding cartons made from CNK (Coated Natural Kraft), SBS (Solid Bleached Sulfate), CRP (Coated recycled paperboard) and PCSBS (Poly coated Solid Bleach Sulfate) after subjecting them to multiple freeze-thaw cycles. Compression tests were performed on empty cartons and cartons filled with frozen …

Life Cycle Inventory Comparison Of Paper And Plastic Based Packaging Systems For Strawberry Distribution, Jay A. Singh, Aric Krasowski

Industrial Technology and Packaging

The goal of this study was to conduct a life Cycle Inventory (Lei) analysis based comparison of eleven primary container and pillow wrap combinations for the distribution of fresh strawberries Three of the primary containers studied were paper based (molded pulp, paperboard and corrugated fiberboard) and three other containers investigated were clamshells or punnets made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and recycled PET (rPET) Pillow wraps made of rPET and polylactlde (PLA) were also Included for all punnet/tray style containers The scope of the study ranged from the extraction of raw materials, their processing and formation for all packaging components, product …

Mapping The Medical Device Development Process, Scott T. Ham

Industrial Technology and Packaging

This project examined the use of process mapping as a tool to show the process of developing medical devices from a broad perspective that includes research, innovation, development, regulation, and marketing. The medical device development cycle, on a broad scope, is not well defined. The lack of a universal language with which to describe this process has made it difficult to understand and communicate. In this project, data was collected from peer-reviewed sources, summarized in a literature review, drawn out by hand into a series of lower-level process maps and finally assembled into a single process map. This project is …

An Evaluation Of The Ability Of Rfid Tags To Withstand Distribution Of Fresh Produce In The Rpc Pooling System, Jay A. Singh, S. P. Singh, K. Desautels, K. Saha, E. Olsen

Industrial Technology and Packaging

This study focused on the ability of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags applied on reusable plastic containers (RPCs) to withstand repeated abuse due to physical distribution and storage environment related hazards. It also studied the effect of the chemical cleaning environments that RPCs are commonly exposed to in the pooling/rental systems commonly used to distribute fresh produce. RPCs are being successfully deployed in the US, Europe and Asia to ship fresh produce from growers to retailers. The increasing demand for traceability and tracking of fresh produce from ‘farm to fork’ requires these containers to be monitored and identified in the …

Computer Simulation To Manage Lean Manufacturing Systems, Ahmed Deif

Industrial Technology and Packaging

There is a difference between a lean manufacturing system and a manufacturing system that just applies lean techniques. This paper addresses the previous statement through using computer simulation to explore the impact of applying just in time lean policy on a traditional inventory based production system. A system dynamics model is introduced to capture the different components of the production system. The inventory dynamics of the modeled system is examined against different production scenarios under stochastic demand. Results showed that in systems that are not fully transferred to lean, adopting lean principles are not always beneficial. The paper suggests some …

Measurement, Analysis And Comparison Of Drops Experienced By Packages In Inter-State And Intra-State Next Day Shipments In United States, K. Saha, Jay A. Singh, S. P. Singh

Industrial Technology and Packaging

Several past studies have been conducted for the purpose of measuring and analyzing the dynamics of single package shipping environment for the next day delivery services provided by companies including DHL, FedEx, UPS and USPS. Over the past few decades increased shipping hazard evaluations using data recorders has influenced protective package designs to offer optimized product protection due to a better understanding of the distribution environment. This study analyzes the drops sustained by packages during next day shipments within California (intra-state) using two different carriers—FedEx and OnTrac andwithin United States for shipments to two different regions in east and west …

Gerber Project For Lockheed Martin, Andrew Callahan, Sean Lawyer

Industrial Technology and Packaging

Lockheed Martin, the world’s premier aerial combat vehicle manufacturer was pressed to find an eco-friendly way to package their impregnated epoxy. In the current system, the epoxy would be cut on the Gerber table to a pre-determined length and then sandwiched inside of two corrugated fiberboard sheets for storage inside of a freezer. The current process was not only labor intensive, but the corrugated fiberboard had to be disregarded after one use. In conjunction with the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Packaging program and Melmat Incorporated, we were able to find a corrugated plastic substrate to replace the currently non-reusable …

Measurement And Analysis Of Truck And Rail Vibration Levels In Thailand, V. Chonhenchob, Paul Singh, Jay A. Singh, S. Sittipod, D. Swasdee, Supoj Pratheepthinthong

Industrial Technology and Packaging

Worldwide increase in trade, foreign direct investment, capital flows, migration and the spread of technology has caused an increased focus to be put on designing packages that can protect goods shipped globally. This requires a wide-ranging understanding of the distribution environments on a global basis. Several past studies have mapped the vibration levels for surface transportation along the most popular shipment routes in countries such as Brazil, Canada, China, India and the USA. This study was conducted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the vibration levels observed for truck and rail shipments for major transportation routes in Thailand, one of …

Measurement And Analysis Of Temperature And Pressure In High Altitude Air Shipments, Sher Paul Singh, Jay Singh, J. Stallings, Gary J. Burgess, K. Saha

Industrial Technology and Packaging

This study was performed (at the request of the FAA) to measure temperature and pressure conditions observed by standard packages in the FedEx Next Day Air network and the environmental conditions of passenger aircrafts. To measure the single parcel environment, two destinations known to be served by non-pressurized feeder and pressurized aircrafts in the USA, San Luis Obispo, California, and Twin Falls, Idaho, were used to represent higher altitude paths. Test packages (0.30 × 0.30 × 0.30 m) containing one MadgeTech PRTemp110 recorder were shipped Priority Overnight by FedEx from East Lansing, Michigan. For 6 weeks, two test packages were …

Measurement And Analysis Of ‘Small’ Packages In Next-Day Air Shipments, Sher Paul Singh, Jay Singh, K. C. Chiang, K. Saha

Industrial Technology and Packaging

Packaged goods are shipped globally using various means of transportation. Over the past two decades, there has been a continuous increase in studies that measure and analyze dynamic events that occur to packages during transportation and handling. These data offer useful information to design and test packages, and provide protection from potential hazards like drops and impacts. However, none of the past studies are directed towards single packages regarded as 'smalls'. 'Smalls' or small-package product systems are defined as those with volume of less than 0.013 m³, a longest dimension of 0.356 m and a weight of 4.54 …

Is The Test Of Senior Friendly ⁄Child Resistant Packaging Ethical?, Laura Bix, Javier De La Fuente, Kenneth D. Pimple, Eric Kou

Industrial Technology and Packaging

Research has documented the drastic reduction of unintentional poisonings of children since the introduction of child resistant (CR) packaging. However, studies also indicate that consumers report difficulty using CR packages, in part because tests which determine the ‘senior friendliness’ of CR designs that are used throughout the world disallow people with ‘overt or obvious’ disabilities from being test subjects. Our review of drug package usability suggests that the current tests of CR packaging can and should be revised to correct this problem. We use US legislation, regulation and data to exemplify these points, but the conclusions are applicable to all …

Measurement And Analysis Of Shocks To Products Packaged In Pails In Single Parcel Ground Shipments, Sher Paul Singh, Jay Singh, Pakapol Kittipinyovath

Industrial Technology and Packaging

The objective of this study was to measure and analyse the shocks and impacts experienced by pails in the single parcel distribution environment, with and without a secondary corrugated shipper. The study was conducted in the FedEx Ground shipping environment in the USA. Instrumented 5 gal pails were shipped with and without an outer corrugated box, and with and without handling (precautionary warning) labels, from East Lansing, Michigan to destinations in California and New York. Data recorders were used to collect and analyse shock distribution data (drop heights, drop orientations and number of drops). The results showed that the precautionary …

Effect Of Manufacturer's Joint Fastening Techniques On Compression Strength Of Corrugated Fiberboard Boxes, Jay Singh, A. Attema, Eric Olsen, Keith Vorst

Industrial Technology and Packaging

A flat piece of corrugated fiberboard, which has been cut, slotted and scored, is often referred to as a box blank. For several box styles, in order to convert the box blank into a box, its two ends must be fastened together with tape, staples or adhesives such as water soluble glues. The location at which the two ends meet is known as the manufacturer's joint. There are several variations within the three fastening techniques mentioned with most corrugated box manufacturers following their own protocols for fastening the manufacturer's joints. This study explored the compression and tensile strengths of RSC …

A Computer-Based Approach To Material And Process Selection Using Sustainability And Ecological Criteria, Manocher Djassemi

Industrial Technology and Packaging

Decision on selecting a material or process for a particular product is a common task in product engineering and facility planning. Such decision may have a significant impact on entire product life cycle including raw material acquisition, product manufacture, use, disposal, and environment. Traditional factors for decision making are economical, functional and aesthetical properties of the product. However, the issues of sustainability and environmental impact of materials and manufacturing processes have gained a growing attention in recent decade by general population as well as academicians and industrial practitioners. The objective of this study is to explore a software tool for …

New Pressure Sensitive Device To Measure And Predict Package Drops, Sher Paul Singh, Jay Singh, Young Paek

Industrial Technology and Packaging

Pressurex^®, a tactile pressure sensor film which is manufactured by Sensor Product Inc. (East Hanova, NJ, USA), is one of the emerging materials that is convenient for measurements of the strength of pressure and pressure distribution profile between two contacting surfaces without any instrumentation. It immediately reveals impact distribution and magnitude based on intensity and dispersion of color. The intensity of this color is proportional to the amount of force applied allowing the user to actually quantify the stress characteristics across the impact surface. The objective of this paper was to examine free fall drop test results using …

Packaging Trends For Bottled Water, N. Noble, L. Paul, C. Mcminimee, M. Mallett, Jay Singh

Industrial Technology and Packaging

The Journal of Applied Packaging Research(JAPR) is an international forum for the dissemination of research papers, review articles, tutorials and news about innovative or emerging technologies for the packaging industry. In an effort to introduce research conducted by packaging students to the academics and industry professionals and to provide an outlet for these future stewards of the packaging industry to experience the world of publishing, JAPR, occasionally includes such work in its issues.

Bottled water is drinking water packaged generally in plastic bottles and regulated by national and local agencies. The Beverage Marketing Corporation defines the bottled water market …

Rfid Tag Readability Issues With Palletized Loads Of Consumer Goods, Jay Singh, Eric Olsen, Keith Vorst, K. Tripp

Industrial Technology and Packaging

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an automatic identification technology, relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags. This technology is being used in enterprise supply chain management-related applications to improve the efficiency of inventory tracking and management. However, this technology has not been able to realize its promised potential because of several factors, such as lack of congruous worldwide standards, privacy issues and less than perfect read rates in supply chain applications. This research aimed to evaluate the readability issues commonly faced by tagged cases of palletized consumer products. The variables studied in this research were …

Design-An Opportunity In Reducing Corrugated Fiberboard Carbon Footprint, Jay Singh, R. Kisch, J. Chhun, Eric Olsen

Industrial Technology and Packaging

Telescoping Half Slotted Containers (HSC) and Diagonal Corner Bliss style containers are popular choices for packaging agricultural products such as apples, pears, citrus, potatoes, garlic and most vegetables. This study evaluated two unique corrugated container designs, Kisch Full Circle Tray (FCT) and Single V Kisch Bliss, which are both viable designs available to replace the presently used styles of boxes for produce distribution. This paper presents the compression strength results of Telescoping HSC containers as compared to two possible replacements and the Diagonal Corner Bliss designs when stored under standard, refrigerated and tropical conditions. It also compares the material savings …

Flexography Printing Performance Of Pla Film, J. Jacobson, Malcom Keif, Xiaoying Rong, Jay Singh, Keith Vorst

Industrial Technology and Packaging

During the past decade polylactide acid (PLA) polymer has been the subject of numerous researches aimed at comparing it with traditional petroleum based polymers for many packaging applications. PLA is biodegradable and derived from agricultural by-products such as corn starch or other starch-rich substances like maize, sugar or wheat.While PLA is currently being used in many packaging applications with well documented performance, little work has been done comparing printing processes and performance. This study presents PLA printing performance and sustainability findings using the common flexography printing process. Various analytical methods were used to evaluate performance and provide recommendations for optimized …

Effect Of Transport Vibration On Quality Of Minimally Processed And Packaged Fresh-Cut Cantaloupe, Koushik Saha, S. Paul Singh, Bruce Harte

Industrial Technology and Packaging

This study was undertaken to determine the quality of packaged fresh cut cantaloupe subjected to transport vibration after treating with various anti-browning agents. Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo) pieces were dipped in two anti-browning solutions: Treatment- A (2% ascorbic acid + 1% calcium chloride + 0.5% citric acid) and Treatment-B (3% NatureSeal™) for 2 minutes and packaged in bio-based clamshell containers and vibrated for 60 minutes (ASTM 4169, Truck assurance level II). Vibration of cut-cantaloupe packaged in sample containers had a positive effect on the flavor and overall liking. The overall liking scores were higher than 6(slightly like) on a hedonic scale …

Effect Of Truck Vibration During Transport On Damage To Fresh Produce Shipments In Thailand, V. Chonhenchob, S. Sittipod, D. Swasdee, P. Rachtanapun, S. P. Singh, Jay A. Singh

Industrial Technology and Packaging

The increase in global trade allows packaged products to be shipped across borders using inter-modal transportation. Trucks are still the most prevalent mode for surface shipments and time sensitive transport perishable products such as fresh produce. This study focused on measuring the transportation environment in truck shipments from various packing houses to major retail distribution centers in Thailand and then the subsequent distribution to regional stores in smaller trucks. Test measurements were compared to test methods used in North America and Europe. This study compared the quality of cabbage, lettuce, plums and pears after being shipped in truck transport by …

Performance Of Pre-Cut Lettuce Packaged In Biodegradable Film Formed On Commercial Vertical-Form-Fill-And-Seal Machines, J. Wyatt Brown, Keith Vorst, Shasta Palmer, Jay A. Singh

Industrial Technology and Packaging

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of using biodegradable films suitable for fresh-cut lettuce with commercial vertical-form-fill-and-seal packaging machines (VVFS) equipped with heat-sealing bars. Biodegradable high-density polyethylene (BHDPE) and polypropylene (BPP) films were tested. Commercial bags of pre-cut Romaine sealed in a polyethylene/oriented polypropylene (PE/OPP) bag formed on a WFS machine were used as the control. All bags were held at 4.4°C, 80% RH and assessed for reduction in quality during storage per a commercial (in-house) standard utilized by a large pre-cut salad packer in Salinas, California. When the biodegradable films were sealed with a VFFS …

Emergence Of Multitasking Machining Systems: Applications And Best Selection Practices, Manocher Djassemi

Industrial Technology and Packaging

Purpose –Multitasking machining (MTM) systems have become increasingly sophisticated and expensive capital equipment. The lack of practical guidelines for selection of these machines can lead to significant undesirable machine attributes, application mismatch, and longer return on investment. The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight to numerous features and configurations of MTM systems and to present several application-based selection guidelines.

Design/methodology/approach –A taxonomy of MTM systems is developed based on the number of axes of motions, tooling and spindle systems. Practical guidelines for general and advance features are presented with special regard to multi-axis and multi-spindle …

Computer-Based Approach To Material And Process Selection, Manocher Djassemi

Industrial Technology and Packaging

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a perspective of computer-aided material and process selection (MPS) software tools for product development purpose and present a practical approach for manufacturers and other decision makers involved in MPS.
Design/methodology/approach – A multi-criteria deductive approach for MPS is applied to a case study by taking into account the technical performances and environmental constraints. A resource-based cost modeling is also deployed to examine the implication of selected material and process on overall product cost.
Findings – The paper demonstrates the capabilities and shortcoming of existing computerized MPS software tools in assisting …

A Study Of The Effect Of Pictorial Markings And Warning Labels On Handling Of Packages In The Dhl Single-Parcel Environment, Jay A. Singh, Sher Paul Singh, T. Voss, K. Saha

Industrial Technology and Packaging

Over the past two decades, there has been a heavy influx in the number of direct-to-consumer express shipments of packaged products. As a consequence, parcel delivery companies, such as DHL, FedEx and UPS, have strengthened their presence in air transport. This study measured and analysed the effect of moving single packages through air shipments in the USA using one of the newest service providers, DHL. The study also quantified the effect of placing pictorial markings and warning labels on mid-sized and lightweight packages when using Next-Day and 2nd Day services provided by the carrier DHL. Instrumented packages measuring 0.38 m …

Dynamic Modelling Of Reconfigurable Manufacturing Planning And Control Systems Using Supervisory Control, Ahmed M. Deif, Waguih H. Elmaraghy

Industrial Technology and Packaging

This research is concerned with studying the dynamic performance of reconfigurable Manufacturing Planning and Control (MPC) systems. Such goal requires two main tasks. The first task is to develop a dynamic MPC system model that has the ability to reconfigure to different MPC policies. The second task is to design a supervisory control unit that has as input the high level strategic market decisions and constraints together with a feedback of the current manufacturing system state and then select the optimal suitable operation mode or policy at these conditions. This paper addresses the first task of the proposed research and …

Dynamic Analysis Of Less-Than-Truckload Shipments And Test Method To Simulate This Environment, Sher Paul Singh, E. Joneson, Jay Singh, G. Grewal

Industrial Technology and Packaging

This paper provides results from a comprehensive data measurement study that analyzed the vibration dynamics produced inside the trailers used for less-than truckload (LTL) shipments. The trailers used for this segment of the package transportation environment are very different in size and suspension than those used for full truckload shipments. This study measured the vertical, lateral and longitudinal vibration inside a trailer as a function of road surface. In addition, the study developed a video showing freight movement inside the trailer to determine physical displacement and shifting of the loads. A set of recommendations was developed to safely load and …

A Computer-Based Economic Analysis For Manufacturing Process Selection, Manocher Djassemi

Industrial Technology and Packaging

An important part of financial planning in product development is considering whether the capital expenditures meet volume and cost goals. A good business plan should provide investors with the implications of process selection on the company's bottom line. It is estimated that there are least 1000 manufacturing processes and sub-processes. Considering the number of process choices and quantity of cost data, an economic analysis for process selection may pose a challenge for decision makers. This paper provides an insight to Ashby’s cost modeling method for generating an estimate of unit product cost. The cost model provides a broad indicator for …

Characterization And Compression Properties Of Injection Molded Carbon Nanotube Composites, Grey Curtzwiler, Jay Singh, J. Miltz, Jimmy Doi, Keith Vorst

Industrial Technology and Packaging

Since the development of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in 1991, they have received much attention with improved mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of their composites compared to common polymer composites. The CNTs are currently used to increase the modulus of common thermoplastics and thermosets, including urethanes and epoxies. The CNTs are difficult to disperse within any media because of limited chemical reactivity and potential agglomeration in their ‘‘as grown’’ state. This study evaluated the effect of incorporating bundled and unbundled CNTs at different concentrations into Polyurethane/CNT/woven fiber reinforced composites. Optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) characterized the dispersion of CNTs …